HISTORY OF BEAUTY SPOT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

According to church historians, the history of the local congregation, Beauty Spot United Methodist Church, began in the 1860’s.  However, our history as United Methodists started in 1735; a movement that began with John and Charles Wesley.  These two brothers came from England to work as missionaries in Savannah, Georgia.  They had  no idea at the time that their efforts would result in other missionaries following their path and the establishment of churches.  The Methodist Episcopal Church was officially organized at a Christmas Conference Meeting in December 24, 1784 in Baltimore, Maryland on Lovely Lane.

On April 23, 1968 The Methodist Church and The Evangelical United Brethren Church merged and The United Methodist Church was birthed.  Our rich history, derived from humble beginnings, is now global in scope ministering all over the world.  Beauty Spot is a part of that history which ministers under the umbrella of the United Methodist Church and the Lordship of Christ.   We are part of a connectional church which “provides us with opportunities to carry out our mission in unity and strength” (Book of Discipline Para. 701(1).

 

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS:  THE EARLY YEARS

 Beauty Spot is a part of this larger family of United Methodists whose beginnings started shortly after the close of the Civil War.  The members of the community began to think in terms of a place to worship within the boundaries of their community.  In the late 1860’S a group of enthusiastic members terminated their membership in the Providence African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, The Lebanon Presbyterian Church and The Watering Hole Baptist Church to organize Beauty Spot Methodist Episcopal Church.

The first service was held under a bush shelter on the McCallum farm near Purvis, NC.  In 1863, a church was built on an acre of land that was purchased from Mrs. Elizabeth J. Smith for fifty dollars,and a deed was presented to the trustees:  Mr. Lewis McCallum, Mr. Charlie McLean, Mr. Junious Purcell and Mr. Robert Baker.  The first church is believed to have been built in 1869.  The first recorded pastor was Reverend E. Moten who performed the first wedding in 1870 uniting Mr. Charlie McLean, Sr. and Miss Nancy Bullard.

In 1893, a second building was erected under the leadership of Reverend J. P. Franklin.  The building was greatly needed to the meet the growing membership of the church and the needs of the community.  The church was completed under the leadership of Reverend E. H. Newsome.  The membership record shows a long list of names including:  Adams, Alford, Alston, Anderson, McDougald, McLean, McNair, Pate, Patterson, Thompson, Townsend, Wallace and Watson.

In the early 1920’s a bell was purchased for the steeple under the leadership of Reverend R. D. Bethea.  During this time, Mrs. Maggie McQueen, principal of the old Beauty Spot School, let the children along with the men of the church and their mules pull the bell into the steeple.  It rang for many years and hangs adjacent to the church as a historical monument.

After fifty years, the need for a larger building was needed, again, due to the growing membership.  In 1951 under the leadership of Reverend J. F. Sawyer, members made plans to build.  The first worship service was held in this building in 1955, with Reverend R. B. Rhyne serving as pastor.  The new facility was completed under the administration of Reverend James Feree.  A dedication service was in April of 1963 with Reverend James McCallum.  The sermon was delivered by Bishop E. A. Love.

Records indicate that the District Conference was held at Beauty Spot United Methodist Church four times:  In 1916 under Reverend J. W. Simpson’s pastorate; in 1934 when Reverend W.S. McLeod served as pastor; in 1941 when Reverend M. S. McLaughlin served as pastor and in 1957 when Reverend James W. Feree served as pastor.  There have been three cornerstone layings in 1915, 1951 and 1978 under the leadership of Reverend J. W. Simpson; Reverend R. B. Rhyne and Reverend R. A. Fairley respectively.

 

THE MID-YEARS:  MINISTRY GROWTH CONTINUES

Reverend J. F. Cummings was appointed to Beauty Spot in 1972 to serve as pastor.  Under his leadership the members began to think of terms of renovating the church.  New pews were purchased and the floor was carpeted.  The church received a $500 grant from the Board of Missions which was used to begin the process of purchasing the former Beauty Spot School across the road from the church for the purpose of renovating it into a fellowship hall.

In 1973, Reverend Robert A. Fairley, Sr. was appointed to Beauty Spot.  Under his leadership many wonderful things happened with the help of members and agencies of the connectional church:  The Board of Missions, Duke Endowment and Renfro Trust Fund.  A church steeple was purchased, stained glass windows were installed, the church was brick veneered, central heat and air was installed, pews were padded, the former Beauty Spot School was renovated into a beautiful brick veneered fellowship hall; the grounds were landscaped, the old bell was erected, new drapes were installed in the fellowship hall, area lights were placed on the church grounds and The R. A. Fairley Gospel Choir was formed.  We give God all the glory and praise.

In November of 1983 Reverend E. M. McNair was appointed to Beauty Spot.  Under his leadership, our church continued to grow spiritually. 

In January 1985, we were blessed with Reverend John A. Campbell.  Beauty Spot continued to grow under his leadership.

In 1987, Reverend Thomas B. Bacote was appointed to Beauty Spot and church growth continued.  In the spring of 1989 renovations were under way again.  The sanctuary was renovated with new carpet, sound system, light fixtures, bathrooms were enlarged, additional stain glass windows were installed on the back wall and the fellowship hall was painted.  All repairs and renovations were completed by the fall of 1989.  This work could not have been possible without God, the faith and hard work of Beauty Spot’s congregation, friends, The Board of Missions, Duke Endowment, and the Rockingham District.

In 1992, Reverend Robert Edwards was appointed to Beauty Spot for one year.  Beauty Spot continued to grow in spirit under his leadership.

In 1993, Reverend Leroy Worth was appointed to Beauty Spot.  Continuing the work of God, Reverend Worth was a dedicated pastor concerned about the well-being of his members and the administration of the church.

In June 2002, Reverend J. F. Cummings was appointed to serve again.  Since coming to us as pastor, Reverend Cummings, a man of foresight and vision, has served faithfully.  The growth of the church was evident in the many accomplishments under his leadership especially in the areas of Christian Education, revitalization of Bible study and an increase in membership.

In the area of physical growth, many improvements have been made:  the sound system was upgraded, a new organ and drums were purchased; additional lighting was added along with new sinks in the bathrooms. 

Also under Reverend Cummings’ leadership the J. F. Cummings Beauty Spot Youth and Children’s Choir, the Beauty Spot Men’s Ensemble Choir and a praise team was organized.  The children and youth ministry was organized under the direction of Mrs. Jacqueline Jones, and an older adult ministry was organized under the direction of Mrs. Bertha Graham.

In 2008 a groundbreaking service was held for a new addition to our fellowship hall.  With the aid of the Holy Spirit, much prayer and faith in God, the building was completed in February 2009.  

Beauty Spot moved from two worship services per month to three as the second and fifth Sunday worship services were added in 2009 and Mrs. Bertha Graham and Mr. Robert Killens answered the call of God and were approved by the local church to go forth as Candidates for Ordained Ministry.  

 

THE PRESENT AND BEYOND

In June 2012, Reverend Varonica Livingston was appointed to serve at Beauty Spot.  She has unfolded a new chapter in our history as the first female pastor.  Since coming to us, Beauty Spot has continued to grow spiritually.  

Reverend Livingston is an energetic, visionary leader.  Her focus is equipping the laity and church leaders for ministry.  The first leader’s retreat was held in 2013.  Reverend Livingston believes that laity and especially leaders should be accountable in ministry, leading by example and actively participating in a spiritual formation group.

Our community of faith has grown under her leadership as God has “added to the church” increasing the membership at Beauty Spot.  Weekly Intergenerational Bible Study has increased to 35 to 40 persons in attendance each Wednesday.  A fourth Sunday contemporary worship service has been added and a new choir birthed: 4SC Contemporary Choir.  Beauty Spot is now worshipping every Sunday.  The praise team re-organized and the older adult ministry was revived with a new name, Seasoned Spirits and a new focus with assistance provided by a grant from the General Board of Discipleship. 

Reverend Livingston has a passion for youth.  We have a youth presence at Pilgrimmage, Harambee; Annual Conference Session for Youth and district youth events.  The youth attended a Mime Conference from which a mime ministry evolved.  There is a youth presence on elected church committees.

Beauty Spot has embodied being the hands and feet of Jesus ministering to “the least of these”.  Under Reverend Livingston’s leadership Christian Education and Missions now has a presence at Christian Care Center where we serve the homeless.  The church has volunteers at the Red Cross, Sacred Pathways, Partners In Ministry and the Robeson County Church and Community Center.   An Audio  Ministry has evolved to record the worship services to be distributed to the sick and shut-in.

Since Reverend Livingston’s tenure, the sound system has been upgraded, a new tiled floor has been installed in the fellowship hall and the entry way of the church, new furniture was purchased for the pastor’s office, the steps and porch of the fellowship hall has been carpeted, old hand rails have been replaced with new ones; land adjacent to the church was donated to the church for a cemetery addition and some landscaping has taken place. We have begun an Intercessor Prayer Ministry, Servant Leaders lead in worship each Sunday and members are encouraged to discover and use their gifts to grow the Kingdom of God.

Reverend Livingston affectionately refers to Beauty Spot United Methodist Church as “The Spot”; the place where things are happening.  We are community oriented.  Beauty Spot is the place where the hurting are being healed, the Word of God is being preached, the Sacraments are duly administered, the place where God’s Spirit is abound, where everybody is somebody and Jesus is Lord!

Beauty Spot’s rich history is embedded in the Scriptures, our traditions, and our past experiences. We give God praise for the story that is continuously unfolding for the glory of God through the body of believers at “The Spot” as we strive to be a light in the community and in the world living out the mission of the United Methodist Church “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” (Book of Discipline – Para. 120).